The Best Film Cars You Can Actually Buy

Ghostbusters

Cadillac DeVille

The original Ghostbusters had a 1959 Caddy as their slime-stopping ride, but in the second film, and for Paul Feig’s all-women remake, the ghoul-getters opted for a converted DeVille hearse from the 1980s.

The regular Caddy was devoid of handling and boasted an entirely velour interior, which made it particularly popular with those who were about to become ghosts themselves. Second-hand, they start around £5,000. Stick about half on again for the paint job.

Die Another Day

Jaguar XKR

Bond cars are fantasy motors, with prices to match (and that’s before you chuck in all the ‘extras’). But switch focus to the villains and you can get a silver screen ride without spending the MoD’s annual budget.

Henchman Zao’s Jaguar XKR packed a Gatling gun and mortar – ask your dealer, they’re in the options book just under the sat nav – but you can find a more streamlined version for less than £10,000 second-hand.

If you want authentic Bond, go for a facelifted mk1 model, ideally with a drop top, which will take you to 60mph in under six seconds, then charge on to 155mph. Plenty fast enough to shake off your tail.

The Fast And The Furious

Nissan GT-R

You’d need years to drive every car in the Fast and the Furious franchise. But if you’re going to pick one, then the GT-R not only makes as many appearances as Vin Diesel (1, 5, 6 and 7, fact fans), it steals focus in every scene.

Perhaps that’s because, unlike Vin, Brian O’Conner’s ride does 0-60mph in under three seconds, and maxes out at close to 200mph (its ability to chew homoerotic dialogue isn’t in the manufacturer’s spec).

These days, the successor to the Skyline GT-R – Nissan’s first foray outside making cars for your gran – is yours, admittedly unmodded, from around £40,000. Although you’ll want to put some cash aside for bribing crooked cops, bro.

Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo

Lancia Montecarlo

The Lancia might not be the star of Herbie’s third ride, but a Beetle isn’t what dream garages are made of. On his trip to Monte Carlo, our intrepid VW fell wheels over bumper for this Italian model and, even 40 years on, we can sympathise.

The Pininfarina-designed Lancia was respectably fast for its day, topping out around 120mph, but as Herbie knew, it’s real appeal is that body. The Montecarlo looks like a miniature DeLorean, a quirky blend of straight lines and right angles that only veteran Italian cars can seem to pull off.

While we’d normally advise against paying for affection, this is £15,000 well spent.

The Italian Job

Mini Cooper S

The remake couldn’t beat the original, but the car chases came close. And despite the respect we still feel for the OG Mini, when it comes to fun behind the wheel, BMW’s souped-up spin is the most fun you can have in a hot hatch for less than £6,000.

It makes a joyful sound when pushed and is a glorious drive. The mark II ‘new’ Mini was another step up from the first-generation car, and when you’re not piloting it through storm drains, it’s an equally fun way to get the shops. It’s not the roomiest, though, so watch you don’t blow the bloody doors off.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

Whether you see Bueller as a high school hero or teenage delinquent, it’s unarguable that the film’s true star is also its biggest victim. But if you wince every time Cameron Frye’s father’s Ferrari zips to its ignominious end, then know that the film actually used three replicas – at the time, actual versions cost around $300,000 – and the one that crashes through a window was just a fibreglass chassis.

The real 250 is one the most lusted-after models ever produced by the Maranello factory. And since they only made 55, it’s now also one of the most expensive; last year, an example that had been found in a French barn (in far-from-pristine condition) sold for $16m. Which puts Cameron’s panic attack into context.